An equipment checklist for your food business
Every food business comes with an extensive equipment checklist that you need to run your business efficiently and legally.
Without this equipment, produce can’t be made, and your customers won’t be able to consume the quality products they look forward to. So it’s essential every foodie firm is sufficiently equipped to produce food at the quality and volume required.
But exactly what equipment does a food business need? Is it all easily affordable and attainable, or will you need to find expensive specialists to supply you? With food businesses potentially facing a very turbulent time ahead, the more cost-effectively you can stock your business, the better.
To help you, here’s an equipment checklist for food businesses.
Standard equipment food businesses need
When we talk about ‘standard equipment’ for food businesses, we mean more than just cutlery and aprons. You need to take into account everything you need for the prep side of things too. It’s all still equipment, even if it doesn’t explicitly make food!
For example, you could need fans, refrigerated vans and containers, commercial ice machines, dishwashers and glasswashers, counters, adequate lighting arrangements, mixers, ovens and sinks.
Even things like vacuum packaging machines and sealers would be wise investments. Try to think outside the box, not only in terms of what can prepare and store food, but also maintain a clean and hygienic environment.
That way you won’t need to dispose of every item or produce at the end of the working day. It also enables you to prepare some foods in advance.
Safety equipment for food businesses
Safety equipment is just as important as the tools you need to actually produce your food. This can include things like signs to warn people of wet floors or restricted areas, and posters to remind them of safety regulations, training practices or required temperatures in refrigerated areas.
Carts and pallets may also be needed if you’re transporting heavy goods from the back of delivery lorries. Pressure release valves and sprinklers are also good ideas in the event of fires.
Licensing and registration
A fully ‘equipped’ food business will also have the correct licensing and registration in place too. If you’re hiring employees, you’ll need employer’s liability insurance to protect them (and your business) from illness or injury.
You’ll also need public liability insurance to protect customers and visitors on your firm’s premises.
Additionally, food business registration is also mandatory if you’re making, buying, selling, cooking, storing, handling or otherwise preparing and distributing food. Don’t forget to secure food safety certifications, where audits will be performed by professionals to make sure that the equipment and food prep process meets the minimum requirement to ensure that the food you prepare is handled properly. Trustana provides a handy guide on the food certifications you can get for your food business.
This is one area of your business where you really can’t afford to cut corners, so make sure that all your legal obligations are covered.
Photo by ZACHARY STAINES
